McKiernan's charge on Best Behavior on handicap chase debut

There was plenty of incident in the opening Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase at Leopardstown and it was Best Behavior that eventually emerged victorious for trainer Oliver McKiernan and jockey Barry Browne.

Ten of the fifteen that set off made it around in the two mile five furlong heat. A few had chances until late on but Best Behavior (8s from 10s on track, and bigger earlier) got the better of Fiveaftermidnight (33/1) by two lengths.

Well-backed favourite Shanroe Al C had to settle for fourth.

“We're happy, we weren't expecting it. When I looked at the ground I thought it had gone for him because he's a horse that hits the ground very hard and bends his knee a lot,” said McKiernan.

“I thought he'd maybe be in the first six but he galloped well and jumped well.

“He's very green and when he hit the front he was as green as grass. He's babyish in a lot of ways but it's a good way to have him as he has a bit to learn.

“He hasn't too much to learn about jumping, that's the great thing about him.”

D.J. Hand, rider of Colms Dream trained by Karl Thornton, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount pulled up lame.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Persian Wind trained by J.P.Dempsey, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have had blood on the nostrils post race as a result of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage.

C.A. Landers, rider of Persian Wind trained by J.P.Dempsey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel in running.

(GC & EM)